Mesothelioma - Causes
Causes and risk factors of mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos is a major risk of mesothelioma. The inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers suspended in the air is particularly the cause of mesothelioma or cancer:
of the pleura (outer covering of the lungs)
the peritoneum (membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity)
The association between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos fibers has been mentioned since the mid-1940s and demonstrated since 1960. In Belgium, the first laws prohibiting the use of asbestos date back to the 1980s.
Other risk factors
The other risk factors are:
ionizing radiation
other natural or industrial fibers (ceramics)
the existence of chronic inflammatory processes
exposure to beryllium and a number of chemical carcinogens
tobacco which increases the risks due to asbestos
The risks mainly concern people active in the sector of
asbestos production
shipbuilding
insulation of buildings (before the entry into force of the asbestos ban)
decontamination if the sites are poorly managed
In the specific case of asbestos, any person (family included) in contact with the worker's professional clothing runs a risk of mesothelioma. Indeed, these work clothes are also contaminated by asbestos.
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